5c coin to be discontinued

24 November 2011 - 14:31 By Sapa

5 cents Image: Reuben Goldberg

South Africa's five-cent coin is to be phased out, says government spokesman Jimmy Manyi.

The cabinet had noted the discontinuation of production of the five-cent denomination coin with effect from April 1 next year, he told reporters in a briefing on the cabinet's last regular Wednesday meeting of the year.

The cabinet had also noted the replacement of the 10-cent denomination coin with a new coin with effect from the same date, he said.

The new proposed 10-cent denomination coin would remain the same size.

The metal content would change from the previous bronze-plated steel to copper-plated steel. This would result in the reduction in cost of producing these coins.

Manyi said the cabinet had also approved the SA Mint Company's Commemorative Coin Designs for 2012.